Real estate investment in Dubai: obtain a 10-year Golden Visa

The golden visa program, offering a 10-year residency permit for real estate investment in Dubai, has become an attractive option for many international investors seeking residential stability and new opportunities. Launched by the government of the United Arab Emirates, this initiative aims to attract foreign investment and boost the region’s real estate market. By providing long-term residency and increased security to investors and their families, the golden visa represents a significant incentive for those considering real estate investment in Dubai.

This article will delve into the details of the benefits and drawbacks of this opportunity, shedding light on the implications of such an investment for potential investors.

What is the Dubai golden visa?

The Dubai golden visa for real estate investment is a long-term residency program offered by certain countries, including the United Arab Emirates, to foreign investors who make significant real estate investments in the country. In Dubai, for example, investors can obtain a 10-year residency visa by making a specific real estate investment, typically starting from AED 2 million.

This program aims to attract foreign investment in the real estate market and stimulate the local economy. In exchange for their investment, golden visa recipients and their families can legally reside in the country for an extended period, enjoying benefits that we will describe later.

Advantages of obtaining the 10-year golden visa in Dubai

The golden visa represents a privileged path for foreign investors wishing to establish their residence in the United Arab Emirates without opening a company or being employed. This visa offers privileged access to an attractive market as well as opportunities for commercial and personal expansion.

The advantages of the golden visa for real estate investment in the United Arab Emirates are numerous:

Long-term residency: Holding a Golden Visa grants its holder and their family residence in the United Arab Emirates for a period of 10 years, offering unprecedented residential stability. Unlike standard residence visas that require renewals every 2 years, the Golden Visa eliminates this constraint, offering peace of mind and long-term planning for life in the United Arab Emirates. This feature aligns with the UAE government’s vision to attract and retain international talent by offering practical benefits and sustainable residential security.
Being one’s own sponsor: Traditionally, residence visas in the United Arab Emirates require a sponsor, whether it be the employer or a family member. However, the Golden Visa offers an alternative by allowing holders to be their own sponsors. This increased autonomy simplifies job changes and offers unprecedented flexibility for foreign workers, allowing them to change jobs without having to cancel their previous residence visa.
Sponsoring family members: In addition to the benefits for the visa holder, the Golden Visa also offers the opportunity to sponsor family members, including children up to the age of 25 and disabled sons indefinitely. This provision ensures residential stability for the entire family, even in the event of the principal holder’s death, providing unmatched security and continuity.
Unlimited stay abroad: Unlike standard residence visas that usually become null after an extended period abroad, the Golden Visa offers unprecedented flexibility by allowing holders to stay outside the United Arab Emirates without a time limit. This provision is particularly advantageous for expatriates with commitments abroad, offering easy management of international travel without affecting the validity of their residence visa.
Hiring domestic workers without limits: Another advantageous feature of the Golden Visa is the ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers. This flexibility provides essential logistical support for leading a comfortable life in the United Arab Emirates, simplifying the management of domestic needs and offering a higher level of comfort for Golden Visa holders and their families.

Disadvantages of obtaining the 10-year golden visa in Dubai

Although the United Arab Emirates’ Golden Visa program offers several benefits to eligible individuals, applicants should be aware of potential drawbacks and considerations. Here are some disadvantages associated with the Golden Visa:

Financial requirements: The Golden Visa program typically involves a significant financial commitment, such as a minimum investment in real estate or a business (in our case, the property value must be at least AED 2 million). This may disadvantage individuals needing additional financial resources.
Investment risks: Investing in real estate or a business in the United Arab Emirates carries inherent risks, just like any investment. The value of assets can fluctuate, and there is no guarantee of profit.
Economic dependence: Your eligibility for the Golden Visa may be linked to your investments or business activities in the United Arab Emirates. If your investment or business experiences financial difficulties, it could affect your visa status.
Renewal requirements: This type of visa usually has a limited validity period (e.g., 10 years). You may need to fulfill certain conditions to renew the visa, such as maintaining your investment. Please do so to avoid visa cancellation.
Cultural and lifestyle differences: Moving to a new country, especially with a different culture and way of life, can be challenging for some individuals and their families. Adapting to a new environment and culture can take time.
Family separation: If you have family members who are not eligible for the Golden Visa or do not meet the program’s criteria, you may face challenges related to family separation.
Tax considerations: Although the United Arab Emirates does not levy personal income tax, tax obligations in your home country may still apply. You should consider the tax implications of your financial activities in the United Arab Emirates.

In summary, obtaining the 10-year golden visa in Dubai through real estate investment offers significant benefits in terms of freedom of movement, tax advantages, and access to quality services but requires careful analysis of the associated risks and financial requirements.

For more information and advice, we invite you to contact us at the following address: support@merritt.ae.